I own 2 CT tailored fit shirts, and have tried on a BB ESF. From what I remember, the BB ESF runs considerably slimmer in the chest/waist. The fabric was also nicer. The CT tailored shirt I have has a weird slick feeling to it - almost anti-wrinkle like, but it wrinkles a lot! Good point above about CT shirts having no pocket. That's a big win. It's prob also worth mentioning that CT shirts use darts in the back. I don't believe the BB ESF did. Not sure if I'd buy CT, but for $30 I can't complain. Also, as a side rant, I'm really annoyed that I need roughly a 32" sleeve, but the smallest everyone makes is 33. I know I can have them tailored, but that's like +50% the cost of some of these shirts!

I think 70% of shirts are Custom Tailored, the nice fit and the options that I have with the shirts makes it worth the extra buck. Besides ones you find a reliable and high end tailor you always seem to go back to him.

I want to facilitate the search of one of the hardest items to not only fit into, but to find as well, for the shirting search is a constant topic on SF. It is part of the primary triumvirate on SF: shirts, shoes, and suits (um, ok, pants and jackets…). Jon.

This is very interesting. I feel like the shirts made by most American companies cater to a body type of a watermelon. Over the past couple of years, I have tried shopping everywhere and a size small tends to be the new medium. However, Europe is doing the opposite it seems. I just gave up and started making my own shirts! lol

This is very interesting. I feel like the shirts made by most American companies cater to a body type of a watermelon. Over the past couple of years, I have tried shopping everywhere and a size small tends to be the new medium. However, Europe is doing the opposite it seems. I just gave up and started making my own shirts! lol

I don't know what Europe is doing, but you're right with how American shirts fit. I used to steadily buy mediums, but the past 3 shirts I have bought have been smalls. This is also happening with pants regarding the inconsistency of sizing.

I rarely buy slim-fit shirts because I think that I should work out first and at least be a little bit buff before using one.

I'm not sure if you really have to be "buff" to wear slim fit shirts. I think it's more of how you layer the item. For me, I find that a slim fit shirt tends to give me more shape on the sides rather than a relaxed fit shirt. If I make sure my undershirt is tighter than that of the outer, then it works perfectly!

forgive me for not reading all 1000+ posts but.. i find that Express Fitted shirts (they are a little tighter than their modern fit) fit me the best from what i've tried. and they are in my price range when they are on sale (im young and have student loans). they are not the best quality but im not asking for much, they look nice. however, i feel like i have a bit of a problem with them getting a little un-tucked at the waist, i think they are like this because the sides curve out a bit at the bottom if you look at the profile when the shirt is laying down flat. but these are still a bit to wide at the waist for me. i have a hard time with shirts because if you compare with general s,m,l,xl sizes. I am an XL in regards to shoulder and arms, but my neck is a little too big for the 17-17.5 neck. my main problem with dress shirts is that they are way way too big at my waist - i wear a 34inch waist... but on a good day i can slip into size 33 pants . so essentially, give me a L waist, XL shoulders and arms, and an XXL neck and ill be one happy camper. i guess my only option is MTM when im making a bit more money

I'm trying to find the name of an American shirt maker that's been mentioned in this thread a few times. It's a fairly new maker, based on east coast, and the shirts feature lower buttons and collars that are supposed to stay up. I searched through the threads but I can't seem to find the name.

I have tried to find a budget friendly slim fitting shirt for the past year or so and have gone through several brands. I'm 6'2 175-180lbs, so I'm tall and slim but not scrawny. I wear a 15.5/34 shirt. I'm a professional, so I need a look that say's "My clothes fit perfectly" not "Hey look! I fit into this really tight shirt, aren't I cool?" I have a couple of prerequisites when it comes to my shirts:

1. Must have exact measurements. No S,M,L,XL! I will only entertain shirts that have neck sizes and sleeve lengths. I'm not a too concerned with exact sleeve lengths, although they are preferred.

2. Must be 100% cotton. I have very few 60/40 blends, and they are usually hold overs from before I knew better.

3. Needs to be under $50 preferably.

The shirts I have found that fit this discription have been Calvin Klein Slim Fit, RLBL Custom Fit. The RL is my favorite. Decent quality shirt, holds up well, and if I damage it somehow it's no big deal to replace it. I don't imagine I would feel this way about my Turbull and Asser shirt getting red wine on it.

In my search I also found that I was buying the wrong neck size in my shirts. I didn't really ever notice this because I never had a large gap around my neck, but when I sized down from a 16.5 to a 15.5 the s shirts fit even better in the body. I never knew there was that large of a difference in the body of a shirt when you adjust the neck size. So, I would advise to try on a smaller size. If you are familiar with a brand then you should know how they shrink up in the laundry. If you know from past experience that your preffered brand doesn't shrink much then get the size that fits you perfectly and don't worry about being able to stick two fingers into the shirt, just make sure its comfortable.

Try TM Lewin. They make great quality shirts for the price. During a good sale, you can grab 5 shirts for 100GBP and free shipping to the USA. They automatically deduct VAT (which I think is 20% now). Even with the currency exchange and probable 3% conversion fee assessed by your credit card, the cost is under $30/shirt. They have a ton of choices all 100% cotton. I like their Windsor slim-fit line. I'm 6"1' and about 180 pounds and they fit me well. I don't like billowy shirts under a suit or with a tie, but I find that super slim shirts are just uncomfortable to wear all day long. The best part is if you don't like them, they provide a free return shipping label and will refund your money at any time after 3 months of purchase. So, you can wear and wash them several times and decide if you are happy with them. Really, for the price, you can't go wrong!